title: Effectiveness of Nutrition Education vs. Non-Nutrition Education Intervention in Improving Awareness Pertaining Iron Deficiency among Anemic Adolescents.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study was carried out to compare the effect between nutrition education intervention and non-nutrition education intervention on awareness regarding iron deficiency among schooling adolescents in Tanah Merah, one of rural district in Kelantan, Malaysia.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study which was started in year 2010 involved 280 respondents (223 girls, 57 boys, age: 16 yr) from schools in Tanah Merah. The selection criteria were based on hemoglobin level (Hb = 7 - 11.9 g/dL for girls; Hb = 7 - 12.9 g/dL for boys). They were divided into 2 groups. The first group received nutrition education package (Nutrition education, NE), whereas another group was entitled to receive non-nutrition education intervention (Non-Nutrition Education, NNE) (supplement only). Both interventions were implemented for 3 months. The changes in awareness among respondents of both groups were evaluated using multi-choices questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nutrition education receiver group (NE) demonstrated improvement in awareness at post-intervention. No substantial improvement was demonstrated by the counterpart group (NNE).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Multimedia nutrition education program conducted at school setting was in fact practical and effective in improving awareness on iron deficiency among anemic adolescents.
authors.affiliation: Nutrition Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Hafzan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yusoff
authors.forename: Wan Nudri
authors.initials: WN
authors.lastname: Wan Daud
authors.forename: Zulkifli
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Ahmad
keywords: Adolescents; Iron deficiency; Nutrition education